A little-known effect of the build-up to July 1st 1916 was von Falkenhayn’s refusal to provide reserves to the threatened Somme sectors. The German Second Army was only able to transfer forces within its command. German infantry reserves and artillery were sent north to provide extra protection for Serre and Gommecourt sectors. This facilitated the success of southern British and French attacks.
The photo below shows the table set up for the Joy of Six show, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in 2016:
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